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San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is planning a comprehensive expansion of its air cargo infrastructure with an investment volume of over 300 million USD. This initiative aims to manage the increasing cargo volumes through advanced automation and enhance efficiency. The new facility is expected to further strengthen SFO as a significant air cargo hub on the West Coast of the USA. Lödige Industries, a globally operating company from Paderborn (Germany) specializing in cargo terminal technology, has been selected to equip the facility with customized solutions for automated storage, retrieval, and high-throughput operations.
Expansion of cargo capacities
The planned facility will cover an area of 28,800 m² and is designed to enable fast, reliable, and scalable cargo handling. This will improve the efficiency of cargo movements at the airport and enable SFO to better serve airlines, freight forwarders, and logistics partners. The completion of construction is scheduled for spring 2028, with the facility expected to be operational later that same year.
Samuel Chui, project manager at San Francisco International Airport, commented on the investment:
“This initiative reflects our commitment to providing modern and efficient cargo facilities that support our airline partners and the regional economy.”
Jonathan Hardy (photo), Managing Director North America at Lödige Industries, emphasized the significance of the new cargo terminal:
“The state-of-the-art cargo facility positions SFO at the forefront of air cargo logistics on the West Coast. Our automated systems are designed for maximum efficiency and scalability, allowing SFO to handle growing cargo volumes while fully leveraging advanced automation and digital connectivity.”
At the center of the two-story terminal are three Elevating Transfer Vehicles (ETVs) that enable fast and reliable automated storage and retrieval of Unit Load Devices (ULDs). These vehicles, which operate on a rail-guided system, can move ULDs both vertically and horizontally simultaneously, increasing the speed and flexibility of operations. The automated technology is expected to optimize workflows, increase throughput, and significantly reduce turnaround times at the airport.
Hardy added:
“The growth in e-commerce and global trade is leading to an increase in air cargo volumes, forcing major cargo hubs in the USA to expand and modernize. Lödige Industries is committed to acting as a reliable strategic partner and supporting airports in navigating a changing industry landscape. The project at SFO represents another important step in our commitment to innovation in North America’s air cargo industry and builds on current projects at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport.”
